Sharon Donovan, Author, Echo of a Raven, Touched by an Angel, The Claddagh Ring, Lasting Love, Mask Of The Betrayer, Her Biggest Fan also 'Charade Of Hearts' and 'Kiss Of Death' - starring 'Oliver'- Suspense, Intrigue, Inspirational Romance.

Sharon's INSPIRATIONAL Short stories of Faith and Romance can be found HEREor visit her Facebook Page, which also has the links in the comments.)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Wednesday Spotlight with Dale Thompson

Hello and welcome to Wednesday Spotlight! My featured guest today is Dale Thompson who creates stories of humor and suspense under the pen name Pat Dale. This amazing author has a dozen published novels, a pair of novellas, and tons of short stories. Dale is here to chat about one of his latest releases

A Girl’s Best Friend. A warm welcome for Dale Thompson!

Thunderous applause explodes as Dale struts into the parlor. Warm sunshine pours through the large bay window overlooking the cascading waterfall. Smiling, Dale takes a seat on the wing back chair opposite Sharon.

Sharon: Thanks for joining me today, Dale. I know how busy you are and appreciate you taking the time to chat with us. I hope I didn’t interrupt your creative muse. Speaking of which, does the writing spirit come in spurts…or is it always a work in progress?

Dale: Funny you should ask. My work seems to go in spurts, but that isn’t really true. When I’m working on a simple romantic comedy, the story flows onto the screen as fast as I can type. In my longer, more intricate works, it’s anything but smooth. But even while I’m doing mundane chores, my mind is busy filling in details of what I’m going to write.

Behind the bar, Oliver is busy filling two highball glasses with ice. With great ceremony, he pours precisely 2 ounces of Kahlua and 2 ounces of cream into each glass. Whistling, he plops in the stirrers and stirs five times. Adding the club soda, he stirs once and places the cocktails on a serving tray. Next, he shakes a generous portion of Fiddle Faddle in a bowl.

Yes, here we go then. Your Smith 'n' Kerns and some caramel popcorn.

Sharon: Thank you, Oliver. Raises her glass in a toast. Cheers. Dale, I hope it is to your liking?

Dale: It’s perfect.

Sharon: Now, that we have our drinks and snacks, let’s talk about A Girl’s Best Friend. Tell us a little background. The setting? The main characters? The genre? The general storyline?

Dale: This started as a typical spy story, but shortly after I started writing it, 9/11 happened and our world was upside down. After waiting a few years I went back to it, realizing it had to be different. Hence, we have a spy running for his life with his own people trying to do him in. Laura’s part in the drama grew as I wrote. That’s when I realized it was perfect for romantic suspense and crafted the crazy weave of a star-struck girl with a mature covert agent.

Sharon: How about reading us a blurb and excerpt?

Dale:

Glamour gal and slippery spy ratchet between ecstasy and despair as they unravel separate webs of deception in their lives.

Laura Margolin has been promoted to liaison between her Miami TV jewelry company and their new owner, Vermeer Inc., in Amsterdam, but it seems Heinrik Vermeer had ulterior motives when he promoted her.

Hayward Lazarus narrowly misses an assassin’s bullet on his way to his European covert mission. Then a colleague is garroted before they can meet and Laz is on the run. Add to that, his car blows up in the Miami airport lot, a bomb meant to take him with the car, and he’s in a world of hurt.

What better place to hide out than in a beautiful TV celebrity’s condo? Read A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND to see how that decision turns their lives upside down; how her career is blown, he dies heroically—and they live happily ever after.

Excerpt

He leaned closer, intent on kissing her lips, until she pulled back. “Mr. Lazarus! Ward? What are you doing?”

It was instantly clear he’d overplayed his hand. He could ill afford a scene on the chance he’d been followed onto the plane, but he didn’t want to destroy the fledgling relationship he’d worked so hard to develop. Laura Margolin was a woman he couldn’t walk away from as he might have with someone less intriguing.

“I’m terribly sorry, Laura. I didn’t mean to offend you.” He paused to read the dark look of suspicion on her face. “I’d say this is your first foray into Europe.”

“Yes, it is.”

“Well, there you have it. I’m afraid I mistook you for one of the modern cosmopolitan ladies so prevalent on the continent. If you’ll forgive me for saying so, I’ve never met an American lady who plays that part so well.”

“What has cosmopolitan to do with casually flirting with a total stranger?”

“Please forgive me, I beg of you. You see, in Europe when a gentleman meets a lady and they seem to bond, as you must admit we have, it is customary for the man to pursue intimacy. Not to do so is considered gauche but I didn’t realize you would be unfamiliar with the practice. You must confess that at least a part of you is in favor of the possibility.”

She wanted to deny his claim, though her heart still beat at twice the normal rate. Because, to some extent, she wished she’d gone along with the game. It had been a long time but she could hardly have found a better candidate to rescue her from her long-endured self-inflicted celibacy. But this would not be the time to confess that to anyone. Especially to this man.

“I’m sorry if I over-reacted, Ward. You see, I’m actually an old-fashioned girl from the Midwest. Not that I’m a prude. I have nothing against sex. It’s just that in my world, the sex comes after a man and a woman get to know each other.” She hesitated, blushing. “Very well, know each other...”

Another pause. “Intimately, if you know what I mean.”

“Intimately, yes. I see.” His eyes betrayed the fact he was laughing at her.

The audience stands and claps enthusiasticly.

Sharon: My goodness, that’s quite a teaser to your writing ability. How did the theme for A Girl’s Best Friend come about?

Dale: Having a young woman all wrapped up in the world of precious jewels and a spy who uses different names at the drop of a cap, There’s a capper at the end of the story that brings the title full circle.

Sharon: Tell us about the research for this book. There’s an awfully lot stirred into the mix. We have a glamour girl and a spy, deception and mayhem, and a whole lot of chemistry and trouble. Add to that, we have a lot of ulterior motives. Tell us about the research.

Dale: In the beginning, I had maps and charts, photos and diagrams. Making Amsterdam come alive was my biggest challenge. It’s an amazing city, beautiful but with a dark undercurrent.

Sharon: Have you been to Amsterdam?

Dale: (grinning) Not in person. One of my daughters had gone there, on her way to a similar liaison assignment for a huge Swiss corporation. Like Laura, my girl is beauty star gorgeous and had her share of fending off amorous cosmopolitans. (laughs) I took her description of her trips to Europe to synthesis Laura’s adventure.

Sharon: What is a typical writing day like for you?

Dale: I get my wife off to work (she’s a tax accountant. A darn good one, I might add.) Then I go in and start up my computer, thinking about what I want to get done. I usually write for one to three hours in a block. Sometimes it’s in one project, but sometimes it’s touch up work on several.

Sharon: For my female guests, I ask their favorite music so that Oliver can steal a dance. But knowing that you are a long-time professional musician, you have a lot to say on the subject of background music while you write, don’t you? Fill us in, Dale.

Dale: This question hits a nerve with me. As a professional musician, I enjoy writing while playing classical music in the background. Real classical music, such as Bruckner, Mahler, Prokofief, Debussy. I also like jazz, real jazz, not rock or other recreational music. While working on my new mystery novel recently, I listened to Peter Nero and Teddy Wilson among others. My main characters were both pianists, she a concert pianist who loved Debussy, he a jazz performer whose style resembled the above musicians. I think authors limit their emotional range by surrounding themselves with pop songs and groups; most of whom, contrary to convention, couldn’t perform real music if their lives depended on it. ‘Trust me, I’m a doctor.’ LOL

Sharon: Well, folks, that gives me a pretty good idea of how important detail and setting is in Dale’s writing and life. I agree. Music really adds to the mood and atmosphere of the story and can create a certain aura of suspense. The right song and the right instrument is so vital in putting the author and reader in the scene, drawing one in. Well said, Dale. Can you tell us a bit about your current work in progress? The WIP you are working on?

Dale: At the moment, I’m working on the second book in my new mystery series. These books will each have different crimes while the principal characters repeat. It’s a bit tricky since my female protagonist ends the first book in a deep coma.

Sharon: You know I am a real stickler for legends and incorporate them into many of my stories. I enjoy collecting one from each of my guests. Do you have a favorite legend that you can share with me?

Dale: Not offhand. I loved all the classic legends when I was a child, though, and they affect my writing, I’m sure.

Sharon: And here comes Oliver with dessert, a lemon meringue pie. While we dig in with gusto, can you tell us where readers can buy A Girl’s Best Friend and your other books and where they can get in touch with you?

Sharon: Thank you so very much for being my featured guest today, Dale. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you. The best of luck to you in all future writings.

Dale: It’s been my pleasure, Sharon. Good luck with your work.

Bio

After long careers in music and business, Pat Dale settled back with his pen and began a writing career. Fourteen years later, he has a dozen novels, a pair of novellas, and dozens of short stories to show for his efforts. He delights in creating scenes that cause his readers to laugh. There’s a darker side, though, where he enjoys crafting some really spooky tales that put those readers on the edge of their seats.

Dale lives in mid-Missouri with his wife, three cats, and two dogs, where he can relax in the scenic beauty of the heart of America.

Yum -- lemon meringue pie -- absolutely my favorite. Good morning. I have to admit, I love spy stories. I'm usually caught up in the paranormal, but when I do break out of my comfort zone, spy stories are at the top of the list. This sounds intriguing.

Hi Dale and Sharon - and Oliver too of course. Yes, thanks Olivere, a sliver of lemon merangue pie would be lovely and will go down well with that nice cup of Earl Grey!

Great interview, and it was interesting finding out outbout you and your writing. 'A Girl's best friend sounds very intriguing, I love a good romantic suspense or thriller, even though I write futuristic myself. I agree about the music too. Good music can be really inspirational.

Welcome Patsy, Miss Mae, Karen, Lisa and Lyn. Sharon smiles. Dale has just called and has apparently run into the spy that doesn't love him...Blogger Google Blues. We're on the mission and he wants me to assure you all he is able to read your lovely comments and will find away to escape the Google trap. In the meantime, eat, drink and be merry! Here comes Oliver with Lyn's cup of tea and sliver of pie. He's taking orders, so grab him, ladies!

Great post Dale and Sharon. I really enjoyed your excerpt Dale, I got a great feel for the story and it sounds like my kinda book!Good luck and cheers! Mary raised her glass to Dale and then to Sharon!!Then she turns to Oliver and raises a toast to him too! "Thanks for the drink Oliver!"

Hi Mary. Oliver winks wildly and fills her glass with a cool colada. Sharon rushes over to join Mary in a toast. I hope Dale finds a way to ward off the Google spy. Hmmm. This could be the beginnings of a new spy thriller.

It sounds like you're multitalented! Spies are popular on TV these days with Chuck and Covert Affairs and more coming. I'm going through Alias on DVD right now. So it's a good time to be writing this genre.

Welcome, Diane, Caroline, Destiny and Nancy. While we wait for our favorite spy to weave his way out of the Google trap, allow Oliver to mix you a cocktail from the bar. It's officially Happy Hour! And here comes Oliver to take orders.

Hi, Sharon. Very entertaining interview. Sounds like you have another winner here, Dale. I enjoyed the excerpts and learning about your music preferences. I always have music on when I write, quiet pieces from Bach to Celtic harp music. Thanks so much for sharing your latest writing adventure, and good luck with sales!

Hi Pat, thanks for dropping by to chat with us about Dale's latest. Can Oliver make you a drink? Right now, he's busy stirring up a cocktail to slip to Google to free the man from the trap he's ensnared in. Have faith. Oliver and Dale will make Google spy sing like a canary soon!

Smiling his beguiling smile, Oliver beams as he presents a chilled white wine to Pat and a Kahlua and cream to Debra. Winking wildly, he pumps his biceps.Folks, Dale has contacted me through a special spy device, assuring me of his safety. On the downside, his mission is more challenging than expected. He insists that all have a drink on him. LOL

I want to give a shout out to Diane, Nancy, Debra, and Pat. I finally got this thing with Google whipped--I think.Thanks, all of you, for stopping by today. I appreciate all your comments on my book and on my use of music as I write.Happy writing!dale

Dale, so happy that your Google spywear has alas set you free. But alas, these messages washed aboard so I'll post them for the group to read. I dare say after all the problems encountered today, a strong Smith & Kerns is in order. Oliver!

Hi Lisa,Thanks for coming by. I seem to be locked out of google right now but wanted to respondto your comment.Best,Dale

Hi Mary,I appreciate your comments. Sadly, I can’t find my Google password and they’re notletting me set a new one. Thanks for dropping by and visiting with Sharon and me.Best wishes for your writing,Dale

Hello Caroline,Thanks for dropping by to visit with Sharon and me today. I appreciate your comments.Sadly, Google strikes again and I’m stuck in blogging purgatory but I wanted to atleast say hi.Cheers,Dale

Well, Sharon, I'm going to have to call it a day. I've got to get ready for a newspaper interview tomorrow. It's been great sharing with you and your friends on here. Thanks for having me. It's been fun.Cheers,Pat Dale

Hi Julie, welcome. Have a nightcap with Oliver and I. And perhaps Dale's left you a piece of the pie for a midnight snack! Maybe we can get Oliver to whip up a new one. Oh, you brought fresh lemons? How thoughtful. Let's put them in the blender and see what happens! LOLDale, thank you for being such a fun and entertaining guest. Best of luck with a Girl's Best Friend and your newspaper article. You really drew them in!Until next time, may the luck of the Irish be with you as you travel through life.Love and Blessings,Sharon

Hi Danielle and Larion,Thanks so much for dropping in to visit. Danielle, what an observant person you are. Thank you. Larion, nice to meet you too, and Oliver has sliced two large pieces of pie for you both to sink your teeth into. Enjoy!

Published Posthumously

Click cover to purchase

CTRR AWARD for KISS OF DEATH

(Coffee Time Reviewer's Recommend Award) from Coffee Time Romance & More. This award recognizes outstanding writing styles in all book types and genres. Your book has received this award because I feel it is above and beyond a 5 Cup Rating. Cherokee, CTRR Reviewer

ECHO OF A RAVEN (Sharon's own story)

MASK OF THE BETRAYER

CHARADE OF HEARTS

Click on cover to purchase

Awarded to Charade of Hearts Jan 2012

Her Biggest Fan

Released by The Wild Rose Press on 24th September 2011. In Print and Paperback. Please click cover for more details

This novel is packed with both romance and thriller aspects to please lovers of both genres. At one point, Ms Donovan's writing is so convincing, I had to go back and re-read to make sure it really did happen the way I thought it did. Definitely one to read again."Clare - Happy Ever After Reviews - 4 Tea Cups!

UPDATES ON SHARON

6th January 2012

Sharon went through heart surgery yesterday, after problems with her heart pump which she had after her heart attack nearly eighteen months ago.

Miraculously, her heart was found to be strong enough now to be restarted. Our prayers have been answered, but please continue to send your prayers and messages for her progress and recovery. It will be a while before she is able to be at her computer again, but we know she'll be anxious to get back to wrting those wonderful romances.

***Thanks again to everyone who's been sending prayers messages of love and support. Mary Beth, Sharon's sister, has told her about them and I know they will be helping her. Please keep up the prayers, I'll let you know as soon as I have further news.Get well soon Sharon, we love you!

Lyn

A selection of UPDATES after Sharon's surgery

Latest update: 9th October 2010

Wheeee!See who's left a comment at the end of all the messages on her 'Get Well' post!

Welcome back Sharon, you've certainly been missed. We know it'll be a while before you can type as much as you'd like to, but even a few lines is great, and proof of your determination and the fact you're getting stronger every day. Go girl, go, we're all right behind you!

(I've removed some of the updates as there were quite a few of them, but I've kept the 'milestones' and it's wonderful that now Sharon can once more post to her blog herelf!)Lyn

***Latest update: 3rd October

Sharon's home again and telephoned me all the way across the pond this morning! She's feeling much better and getting stronger and able to read messages and emails on her computer, although she can't manage to type replies herself yet, but she wanted me to let you know how much all the wonderful messages, love and prayers have helped her, and that she really appreciates each and every one. She had a great time a her Book Release party at the Author Roast and Toast on Friday and having so many visitors stop by and join in the fun made her so happy!Lyn

24th SeptemberMary Beth reports: "Sharon was feeling better this afternoon (Thursday) The first thing she said to me was “my book comes out tomorrow!” She is very excited about this news...She is anxious to talk to everyone and continues to amaze us with her will and courage to get through this hurdle and continue her recovery."

21st SeptemberSadly, Sharon is back in ICU after becoming very weak and tired, and needed a blood transfusion. I know you'll join me in prayers that she'll be stronger soon and able to return home.

19th SeptemberMary Beth says Sharon is making good progress and finding it hard to wait until she is able to use her pc again. She has her first clinic visit at the hospital this coming Wednesday.Thanks again for your continued messages of support and love, I'm sure they're helping with her recovery.

5th SeptemberMary Beth wanted me to mention that Sharon's brother Tom and his wife, Priscilla, have been staying with Sharon's parents ever since she was hospitalized and have being handling the brunt of the caretaking. So on behalf of Mary, myself and Sharon's many friends, I'd like to say thank you to Tom and Priscilla, and to Mary Beth and of course Sharon's parents, for being there for our dear friend and taking such wonderful care of her. For all she's been through, dear Sharon is truly blessed, in having such a lovely, caring family.

4th September(From Mary Beth)Dear Sharon was released from the hospital today! ... we were at the hospital all day getting trained on her heart pump and all her new medications and we all had to take a written test to succeed in taking care of her at home so it was a long process and she finally got released with many hugs and kisses from her doctors and nurses (about 5 pm tonight). She got good chicken soup from her dear friend Karen when we got home but poor thing was so exhausted by the end of the day was just ready for hopefully a good night sleep without getting woken up and pricked for more blood. My brother and sister-in-law will be here until Monday and after that my parents will be her main caregivers and I will help and visit as needed as I live about 30 minutes away...Sharon was progressing very well and will have home therapy (both physical and occupational) and her hand/arm is improving every day! ***29th August

Mary Beth says:Sharon is settled in her regular room back at Allegheny General. She was feeling very good yesterday – they are giving her stomach meds via IV and she was comfortable and had a better appetite. She was sitting up in her lounge chair and was very gabby and we had a nice visit. The drs. Have taken her off the blood thinner for a few days as they cannot do the scope test until her blood has thickened up a bit. They hope to do this test Monday to see what is going on in her stomach. The bleeding has stopped but they still want to do this test. Also she has some fluid in her lungs they want to drain. I believe this will also be Monday. Other than that her heart dr. was very pleased yesterday and said instead of sending her to another hospital again for the physical therapy she may even be able to go home for this and get a home therapist so we will look into these options next week. She does not want to go back to the last place, West Penn! She did not like them there and they did not treat her so nice! Her dr. agreed he would not send her back there! He is so very nice and wonderful bed side manner as well as a great surgeon.

27th August

(From Mary Beth) I wanted to let you know that Sharon had a bit of a setback last night and got transferred back to her original hospital, Allegheny General, back in the ICU.

She had a very low sugar episode the night before (Weds) and yesterday was really feeling out of sorts and later in the day she got very sick to her stomach and was bringing up some blood so they wasted no time in getting her back to the ICU where her heart drs. Are. They are going to run some tests today to determine where the bleeding is coming from but did say this is not uncommon after this surgery and she is on blood thinner as well, so hopefully it is just a matter of adjusting some of her medications. She has also had stomach problems in the past which maybe contributing.

Keep the prayers going and I’ll go to see her this afternoon and get back with an update.

PS – Lyn I read her all the reviews you sent yesterday and boy did that perk her up even as sick as she was feeling.

Aug 16

Mary Beth reports: "Sharon is progressing very well today was sitting up, alert, and asking very many questions. We have been reading to her all the wonderful well wishes on her blog, and she has been very touched by the outpouring of love! "

Please keep the messages and prayers coming, they mean so much to Sharon, we make sure they get passed on to her. I don't think she realised just how many friends she has and how much she is loved.

You're surrounded by love, Sharon, sweet friend. We miss you and pray you'll soon be back on form again